New Chancellor will help drive Teesside University’s mission to transform lives and economies

A nationally prominent politician with a long history of support for social mobility and the positive impact of quality higher education is the first woman to be appointed as Chancellor of Teesside University.

The Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the former MP for Darlington and a leading figure within the Labour Party, will be officially installed as Chancellor at a special ceremony later this year.

Baroness Jenny Chapman was the member of parliament for her hometown of Darlington between 2010 and 2019, during which time she served on the Labour front benches as Shadow Minister for Prisons, Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Shadow Minister for Exiting the European Union.

In 2020, she was made a life peer and sits in the House of Lords as the Opposition Cabinet Spokesperson, as well as Shadow Minister of State at the Cabinet Office.

Throughout her career, Baroness Chapman has been a committed champion for the Tees Valley and campaigner for quality education, speaking in the Houses of Parliament on issues including student fees and the positive impact of universities within their local communities.

Professor Paul Croney, OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Baroness Chapman as our new Chancellor.

“She shares our institutional values and will be an outstanding ambassador and advocate for our university. She will help to drive our mission to transform lives and economies, and I am sure she will be instrumental in helping to achieve our University’s future ambitions.

“Throughout her career she has spoken powerfully about this region and she recognises the important role higher education plays in revitalising and enriching our society.

“As someone who commands enormous respect across the political divide, Baroness Chapman will be an incredible asset for Teesside University and the Tees Valley, and I look forward to working closely with her on our joint mission.”

Baroness Chapman added: “It is an incredible honour to be appointed as Teesside University’s new Chancellor.

“The role that Teesside University has played in the regeneration and economic success of this region, through innovation, support for students and graduates, and industry-engaged research, cannot be understated.

“Teesside University’s mission to raise the aspirations among our young people and provide them with ambition, inspiration and opportunity aligns with the causes I have fought for throughout my political career. I am proud to join Team Teesside and am committed to doing all I can to help the University continue its remarkable work.”

The appointment of The Baroness Chapman of Darlington as Chancellor follows the appointment earlier this year of Ada Burns as the University’s first woman Chair of the Board of Governors. These appointments further emphasise Teesside University’s commitment to equality and diversity, empowering success and supporting strong role models in leadership positions.

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